Universal exercise apparatus for performing hamstring flex and other exercises

Abstract

The exercise apparatus includes a table having a longitudinal dimension; a set of rails disposed longitudinally on opposite sides of the table; a set of posts on opposite sides of the table adjustably supported on the rails for longitudinal movement along the rails and for vertical movement extending above the rails; mechanisms for securing the posts in a fixed position on the rails. A rotary hydraulic actuator is supported on one of the posts for providing a predetermined constant resistance to rotary motion about its axis in a given direction. A bearing is supported on the post on the opposite side of the table from and axially aligned with the rotary hydraulic actuator. The apparatus has a pair of parallel arms that are adjustable in length respectfully coupled to the bearing and the rotary hydraulic actuator; and a cross bar coupled between the arms at a distance from the common axis of the bearing and the rotary hydraulic actuator for enabling a person to exercise his muscles by contacting the cross bar and forcing the cross bar to move against the predetermined constant resistance provided by the rotary hydraulic actuator. Adjustable valves are attached to the rotary hydraulic actuator for adjusting the predetermined constant resistance to movement in each given direction of rotary motion.

I claim: 
     
       1. An exercise apparatus comprising a table having a longitudinal dimension;   a set of rails disposed longitudinally on opposite sides of the table;   a set of posts on opposite sides of the table adjustable supported on the rails for longitudinal movement along the rails and for vertical movement extending above the rails;   means for securing the posts in a fixed position on the rails;   a rotary means supported on one of the posts for providing a predetermined constant resistance to rotary motion about its axis in a given direction;   a bearing supported on the post on the opposite side of the table from and axially aligned with the rotary means;   a pair of parallel arms respectfully coupled to the bearing and the rotary means; and   a cross bar coupled between the arms at a distance from the common axis of the bearing and the rotary means for enabling a person to exercise his muscles by contacting the cross bar and forcing the cross bar to move against the constant resistance provided by the rotary means.   
     
     
       2. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rotary means comprises a rotary hydraulic actuator coupled to one of the parallel arms for providing said predetermined constant resistance to movement of the cross bar in a given direction. 
     
     
       3. An exercise apparatus according to claim 2 further comprising adjustment means attached to the rotary means for adjusting the predetermined constant resistance to movement for each given direction of rotary motion.   
     
     
       4. An exercise apparatus according to claims 1 or 3 wherein the pair of parallel arms are adjustable in length. 
     
     
       5. An exercise apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the parallel arms are bent to enable the cross bar to be rotated to a position that is nearly beneath one end of the table when the posts are moved to said one end of the table. 
     
     
       6. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising adjustment means attached to the rotary means for adjusting the predetermined constant resistance to movement for each given direction of rotary motion.   
     
     
       7. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the parallel arms are bent to enable the cross bar to be rotated to a position that is nearly beneath one end of the table when the posts are moved to said one end of the table. 
     
     
       8. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a head rest hinged to one end of the table and adjustable to be folded down from the table top or to be positioned as an extension of the table top for enabling a person to assume a supine position on the table top with his head on the head rest and his shoulders and arms free to extend below the level of the table top in order to perform an exercise of pushing the cross bar up from a position over the head rest.